What's that old saying, the more things change, the more they stay the same? Well, you know how things stay even more the same? When they don't change at all!

Oh, did I mention that CBS' "Survivor" is currently in the middle of its 18th season? The latest installment is called "Survivor: Tocantins" and takes place in the Brazilian Highlands.

It's actually not fair to say there are never changes on "Survivor." They always have a new twist here and there. Remember when they divided up the tribes by ethnicity? And there have been other elements, like Exile Island, that have been introduced along the way and became regular features of the program.

But the basic premise and execution of the show has never wavered. A bunch of strangers still show up in the middle of nowhere, take part in challenges, and vote off one of their own until only one person is left holding a check for a million dollars.

It's a seemingly can't-miss formula, as long as you have the right cast of characters. Thankfully, Tocantins has that cast. Unlike seasons such as Thailand, Fiji, and, most recently, Gabon, which all had groups of mostly unlikable losers, Tocantins is an attractive mix of intriguing personalities and yes, a few comedic blowhards.

On the blowhard front, I'm referring of course, to Coach. Coach, who looks like a cross between Steven Seagal and Qui-Gon Jinn, came into the game wanting to be the ultimate leader – even going so far at Tribal Council a few weeks back as to take offense when someone else was deemed more leader-worthy than he was. Of course, that's not surprising coming from someone who demands everyone call him "Coach."

But the thing about "Survivor" is that you can't have all villains. Then there's nobody to root for. But with players like Brendan, Sydney, J.T. and Stephen, this season has given us plenty of people to cheer on as well.

And if someone you don't like wins, no big deal, because another season of "Survivor" will be right around the corner. It always is.